Gold Surges Past $3,500 as Trump-Powell Tension Rattles Markets

Gold hit a milestone on Tuesday, briefly trading above $3,500 per ounce after President Trump publicly criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Trump warned that the economy could slow unless the Fed cuts interest rates, a comment that heightened investor uncertainty and boosted demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. By the close, gold settled at $3,457.12 per ounce, extending gains of nearly 33% so far this year.

Market analysts say gold is likely to remain well supported amid ongoing political uncertainty and questions about monetary policy, with $3,600 seen as the next potential target. Trump’s comments contributed to a drop in major Wall Street indexes of about 2.4% on Monday and pushed the dollar to three-year lows. Unlike some earlier market downturns, gold did not suffer a significant sell-off, underscoring its current resilience.

Traders and investors are closely watching upcoming speeches from Federal Reserve officials for clues about the central bank’s policy direction. With debate over rate cuts and concerns about the Fed’s independence continuing to shape sentiment, gold is expected to remain a popular asset for those seeking stability amid heightened geopolitical and economic risks.

Analysts highlight several factors that keep gold attractive: persistent political tensions, the potential for looser monetary policy, and a weaker dollar that raises the metal’s appeal to holders of other currencies. These drivers, combined with safe-haven demand during times of market stress, help explain why gold has outperformed many other assets this year.

While short-term price movements will depend on economic data and Fed communications, many strategists believe the metal’s strong run has underlying support. Investors will be monitoring inflation indicators, labor market reports, and central-bank rhetoric to assess whether recent gains can be sustained and whether higher price targets are achievable in the coming months.